Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7th November 2013 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.30pm

Present: Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart(Vice-Chairman),Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham,, Mark Hedderwick,
Apologies: Duncan Fraser, Clare Caldwell, Cllr. Hamish Wood, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Drew Hendry,
Community Members: Ron Mclaughlin, Steve and Madelaine Robinson
Guests: PC Scott MacLean

Meeting commenced 19.45hrs.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 3rd Octoer 2013 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record. Proposed by John Graham and seconded John Stewart – Approved.
Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:
PC Scott MacLean reported.
1. No crimes reported in the Kilmorack area since last meeting.
2. One suspicious white ford transit van noticed in Kirkhill.
3. Asked that residents ensure that vehicles are ready for the winter weather.
PC Maclean left 1956hrs

Matters arising:
1. Access to Farley Woods: Steve and Madelaine Robinson provided some pictures which showed SSE had enclosed the path with a wire fence topped with barbed wire and fitted gates at the end. Concerns have been raised by the local residents that these may well be locked in the future and there is no pedestrian access provided. MH confirmed that the fencing was standard for SSE/Murphy. JG had spoken with Stewart Eastaugh, THC access officer, who has spoken to SSE and will keep a watching brief. As the main gate is locked against vehicles these new additions seem superfluous. Steve and Madelaine then left.

2. Noise Issues – Wester Balblair – Report on the Community meeting on 31st Oct 2013 at Kilmorack Hall with SSE – Alastair Brand, Beauly/Denny Project DIrector, Neil Thomson, Beauly/Denny Engineering Manager, Morven Smith, Corporate Affairs, Lisa Marchi, Major Project Liaison Manager/Sgurr Energy – Eric Donnelly, Noise and Vibration Team Leader/THC – John Lee, Area Environment Health Manager, Gregor MacCormick, Environmental Health Officer, Cllr. Helen Carmichael. Thirty local residents were in attendance. SSE, Sgurr Energy and THC concurred that there was a significant noise issue with the new equipment from the Wester Balblair sub-station. Short term mitigation measures will start on Monday 11th November 2013 – 1. Anti vibration pads under the transformers 2. Infill under transformers 3. Further measures will not be in place until late spring, early summer 2014. The Chairman expressed his concerns and suggested that a letter was sent regarding the following points. 1. No apology for the disruption and stress caused to the Residents. 2. Initially no consultation on date(Halloween) time, or venue(Lovat Arms) 3. Limitation on numbers 4. Initially no opportunity given to have an input into the agenda 5. Attitude of SSE’s Engineer 6. Request noise measurements to be continued before and after mitigation. It was then decided that we needed independent advice and would appoint Dick Bowdler to assess the initial results including the October data, yet to be provided. The Secretary to ask Sgurr and THC to provide the data to Mr. Bowdler.

3. SSE Beauly Community Liaison Meeting – Concerns were raised that the group now included Beauly(not affected) and Kiltarlity, that SSE intended to chair the meeting, that KCC would only be allowed two representatives and the SSSE would provide the Agenda. The Secretary was instructed to write to Lisa that this was not acceptable and we would provide three representatives, Steve Byford, John Stewart and Mark Hedderwick . Steve Byford to Co-Chair the meeting.

4. FCS – JG and MG were unable to attend due to the SSE meeting and in their absence it was decided that KCC and Glenurquart CC would no longer be required on the FCS Liaison group. Also free local access to Glen Affric would not be extended to those areas. Cllr. Carmichael had agreed to discuss this with KCC. Ongoing.

Chairman’s Business: None

Vice Chairman’s Report
1. The Altyre Road notice board had been knocked over and the glass broken. Carl Brocklehurst has offered to replace glass, fix legs and concrete back in place. Cost will be minimal. All approved.

2. Louisa’s Memorial Seat is needing some cleaning and maintenance. MH will see if he can get it pressure washed and Community Payback will be asked if it could be cleaned and smartened up in spring 2014.

Secretary’s Business: None

Planning Matters:
1. Orrin Wind Farm Mast application – No Objection
2. Land 65M East Of Camesky Ruilick Beauly – We have commented re drainage into the road drains which often overflow and create an ice hazard on the road.
3. Core Wild Lands Consultation. Agreed that we would request that Area 24, Central Highlands, was extended to the whole of Glen Orrin. Photos and ornithological report to be included.
4. ABO Proposed Wind Farm on Erchless Estate, Breakachy Farm and Farley Estate. THC to deal with any Community Benefit. Any request for meetings with ABO must be open to all the Community, not just discussions with KCC.

Finance: No report.

Correspondence:
• IACC Meeting Tuesday 19th November 7.00pm Town House, Inverness – SB
• Inner Moray Firth Development Plan – Update received, no change in KCC noted. Presentation-Lovat Arms 19th Nov.
• Climate Challenge Fund extended by £10.3 million.
• War Memorial Trust info – JS will pass on to British Legion

AOCB:
• MH raised parent’s concerns that SSE has approached the School to make a corporate film extolling the virtues of the Beauly-Denny line and their support in the Community which would feature the pupils. It was felt that it was in poor taste considering the large number of people suffering noise from both the substation and the overhead lines. MH to convey the concerns to the PTA meeting.
• SB conveyed Tom Lewis’s apologies for his lack of contact but the change of owners had been time consuming. MH showed where the new paths were to be constructed.

Next meeting: 5th December 2013 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.30pm.
Meeting Closed: 22.35hrs
Signed:

Steve Byford, Chairman

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3rd October 2013 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.30pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart(Vice-Chairman),Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, , Duncan Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael

Apologies: Cllr. Hamish Wood, Cllr. Drew Hendry, Clare Caldwell

Community Members:

Guests: PC Scott MacLean, Morven Smith(Corporate Affairs, SSE) Alistair Brand(Beauly-Denny Project Director SSE)

Meeting commenced 19.35hrs.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 5^th September 2013 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded Steve Byford – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

PC Scott MacLean reported.

1. 1.       No crimes reported in the Kilmorack area since last meeting.
2. 2.       Incidents of theft of tools from unsecured vehicles and sheds in Beauly area.
3. 3.       Requests to Community to lock vehicles, houses and sheds whilst unattended.
4. 4.       House numbers – some house names have been changed and a request for house numbers to be displayed and visible to facilitate emergency services prompt response.
5. 5.       Concern was raised about the impact of Google earth on identifying remote properties to villains.

PC Maclean left 1958hrs

Matters arising:

1)       Noise Issues – Wester Balblair

Alistair Brand(SSE) – Action to date

(i)       Individual monitoring of each piece of equipment(Sgurr Energy)

(ii)     Further Monitoring equipment to be installed on 07.10.13 at five locations in and around Wester Balblair to monitor noise levels 24hr per day throughout October.

(iii)    Awaiting permissions from National Grid for power outages to switch off pieces of equipment thought to factor in noise issues.

(iv)    Quickfix – Gaps between transformers and concrete bases to be in-filled.

(v)     Noise baffling to be considered.

Morven Smith asked that the Community report any more noise nuisance so that they can get the bigger picture.

2)       Toll Paths – two problems arising

(i)                   Work will damage Toll Houses soak-a-way

(ii)                 Heads of terms on both Beauly Toll and Altyre Road to be finalised

(iii)                Morven Smith stated the SSE are committed to both paths. Global have been contracted and will start Toll path in November. The Chairman asked when all will be finished.  Alistair Brand is going to put in someone to oversee all elements

3)       Traffic Management – Concern was raised at the short notice of road closures. A request for better communication was made.

4)       Extra Heavy Traffic on Braes minor roads

a)       Conflicting with School Bus Times and children walking home up the Altyre Road contrary to statement in the SSE Dunmore Cable Termination Compound Environmental Report (page 4) Traffic and transport.

b)       Murphy’s have Traffic Management plan with dedicated roads. However this information had not been adequately presented to the Community.

c)       Road Closure only notified two to three days in advance and diversions inadequately signed.

d)        Concerns as to wear and tear and re-instatement of roads were raised as were the condition of verges and vegetation obscuring sight lines. Highland Council to investigate(Cllr M. Davidson)

5)       The Chairman requested update on timescales for Footpaths, timescales and impacts of Mossford and Blackhillock lines. Alistair Brand will provide engineering update.

6)       Cllr Margaret Davidson requested a Liaison meeting with Lisa Marchi and engineers prior to Community Meeting 31^st October.

7)       A  newsletter, possibly bi-monthly, updating residents was discussed.

8)       Access to Farley Woods. Evidence of physical closure was provided to SSE including access statements in the ES and that would be referred back to the contractors.

Morven Smith and Alisdair Brant (SSE) left at 21.23hrs

9)       Quarry paths – Hitrack have been contracted and will start Oct/Nov

10)   Orrin Wind Farm – No update

11)   FCS – Proposal – Plodda Falls and Beinn a Mheadhoin meters to be removed- No charges at Chisholm Bridge – Yearly revue and Liaison Group to oversee concerns. All profits ring fenced to the area. This was reluctantly agreed as best achievable.

12)   Aigas Forest – AGM 21^st October at Aigas Field Centre

13)   Ward Forum – Police and Fire Service. JG, MG and DF attended.

The Police gathered concerns of the local area to help formulate Policy.

Fire Chief – Call centres may be rationalised but technology would mean no degradation of service. Beauly Fire Station was safe.

14)   Everyday First Aid Course – 9 people attended and found it useful and it was agreed to offer further sessions.

Chairman’s Business: None

Secretary’s Business: None

Planning Matters:

• 13/02801/FUL | Extension to chalet | Rowan Lodge Broallan Beauly IV4 7AH –No Issues
• 13/03154/DEM Demolition of Sub-station House, Wester Balblair – Comments raised as to visual impact and noise blanketing.

Finance:  Annual grant received of £867 – A drop from last year.

Correspondence:

• Highland Road Safety Seminar – No members available
• Site Action – The See Hear Exhibition 30^th Oct

AOCB:

• War Memorial – Community Payback had replaced broken posts and repainted fence. Steve Byford(Ffordes) paid for the posts, postcrete and paint
• The Chairman asked a vote of appreciation for Cllr. Margaret Davidson for all her effort in these matters.

Next meeting 7^rd November 2013 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.30pm.

Meeting Closed: 21.56hrs

Signed:    

         Steve Byford, Chairman  

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th September 2013 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.40pm

Present: Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart, Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, , Clare Caldwell, Duncan Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael

Apologies: Cllr. Hamish Wood

Community Members: Mr. D. and Mrs. K. Simon, Mrs. S. Walker, Mrs. I. Grant, Mrs. Tara Ross

Guests: PC Scott MacLean

Meeting commenced 19.42hrs.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

PC Scott MacLean reported.

• No crimes reported in the Kilmorack area since last meeting.

• Concerns were raised by residents as to the use of the Leanassie road by heavy tracked construction traffic causing damage. JG to pass concerns on to TEC services.

• A warning was also given to livestock keepers to be vigilant after possible theft of sheep in the Kiltarlity area.

• Also be aware that many fixed penalty notices had risen from £60 to £100.

Due to the amount of business to conduct and the interest of some residents in one planning application it was decided to allow that representation in advance of the meeting.

Planning – Leanassie

Members of the local community, represented by Kaye Simon and Susan Walker, expressed their concerns for road safety, damage and strain on the services in the light of the application by W. Crawford for a new house at Leanassie. A letter was also read from Mairi Lamont as representation against this application. A general concern as to the scale and intrusive nature of this development was expressed.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 6th June 2013 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record. Proposed by John Stewart and seconded Clare Caldwell – Approved.

Matters arising:

• Noise at Wester Balblair Substation. Isobel Grant and Tara Ross representing the local residents addressed the meeting to clarify their own experience and concerns caused by the noise issue. JS reported on problems with noise from the new transformers and reactors. THC’s sound engineer had taken readings and established that there was a serious problem. SSE are still evaluating their own and THC’s report. MD to arrange meeting with SSE and planners at THC headquarters. JS and SB to attend. Local residents were requested to keep a log of the disturbance.

• SSE Toll path update: SB had been in discussions and was aware of issues with trees and the farm tenants. It was suggested that to push this forward a meeting could be arranged with SSE, THC tree officer, Lovat Estates, Farm tenants and KCC

• Cllr H. Carmichael left 21.10hrs

• First Aid Course – MG reported that an Everyday First Aid course will be run by the British Red Cross on Sunday 8th September at Kilmorack Hall.

• Drains and Culverts: SB and JG attended a meeting at TEC services with Richard Evans and fully discussed the issues both of Roads and Winter Resilience. Maps of the area marking problems have now been handed over. Although a great deal of ground was covered there are still issues such as snow clearance which are not fully resolved. MD offered to arrange a meeting with Richard Guest who might be better able to drive this to the next stage.

• JG requested names of community members that would volunteer for snow clearance under the THC winter resilience scheme so that they can be covered by THC insurance.

• Beinn Mhor. Objection to met mast sent. MD informed that approval had been passed that day.

• Orrin Wind Farm (Fairburn Ext) – Objection to THC and Energy Consents had been sent. Copies have been circulated.

• Aigas Picnic Area- A walk behind “trimmer” had been purchased (£299.95) after a trial which proved satisfactory. JG will house the equipment. It will be available for all other including the war memorial.

• War Memorial – it was agreed that a salt bin will be purchased. Fence is still to be repaired. Ref: Breedon Quarries and/or Community Payback..

• FCS: Parking Meters at Glen Affric. Meeting at Cannich Monday 23rd September. JG and MG to attend.

• Aigas Forest Update-papers circulated. Moves for part purchase, part lease are being discussed.

.

Chairman’s Business: This had been dealt with under Noise.

Secretary’s Business: None

Planning Matters:

• 13/03013/FUL Two storey house and garage, Leanassie – After consideration of the representation from the local residents and after discussion regarding compliance with the Hinterland rules the Community Council instructed that a letter of objection be drafted and sent to the Planning Officer.

• 13/03278/MSC – 18 Torgormack – No issues raised

• 13/02790/FUL – Croft 13, Torgormack – It was agreed that a comment be raised on the issue of vehicular access to the main road due to the speeds of traffic at that point.

Finance: Nothing to report

Correspondence:

• Marine Scotland Consultation Road show.

• Inverness Ward Forum – Police Scotland and Fire Service

AOCB:

• Issues had been raised as to the reported closure of the track through Farley Wood to Loch nam Bonnach caused by forestry work for the SSE Beauly-Mossford line. MH clarified the issues especially relating to horse access and lack of parking due to the ongoing work. Stewart Eastaugh, Access Rights Officer, has been emailed but we have yet to have a response.

• Run ‘o the River Hydro – Glen Affric. MH had no further information

• MG reported ion the Beauly and District Senior Citizens Afternoon Tea at Kilmorack Hall 17th September.

Next meeting 3rd October 2013 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.30pm.

Meeting Closed: 22.16hrs

Signed:

Steve Byford, Chairman

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th November 2013 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.30pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart(Vice-Chairman),Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham,, Mark Hedderwick,

Apologies: Duncan Fraser, Clare Caldwell, Cllr. Hamish Wood, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Drew Hendry,

Community Members: Ron Mclaughlin, Steve and Madelaine Robinson

Guests: PC Scott MacLean

Meeting commenced 19.45hrs.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 3^rd Octoer 2013 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded John Stewart – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

PC Scott MacLean reported.

1. 1.       No crimes reported in the Kilmorack area since last meeting.
2. 2.       One suspicious white ford transit van noticed in Kirkhill.
3. 3.       Asked that residents ensure that vehicles are ready for the winter weather.

PC Maclean left 1956hrs

Matters arising:

1. 1.       Access to Farley Woods: Steve and Madelaine Robinson provided some pictures which showed SSE had enclosed the path with a wire fence topped with barbed wire and fitted gates at the end. Concerns have been raised by the local residents that these may well be locked in the future and there is no pedestrian access provided. MH confirmed that the fencing was standard for SSE/Murphy. JG had spoken with Stewart Eastaugh, THC access officer, who has spoken to SSE and will keep a watching brief. As the main gate is locked against vehicles these new additions seem superfluous. Steve and Madelaine then left.
2. 2.       Noise Issues – Wester Balblair – Report on the Community meeting on 31^st Oct 2013 at Kilmorack Hall with SSE – Alastair Brand, Beauly/Denny Project DIrector, Neil Thomson, Beauly/Denny Engineering Manager, Morven Smith, Corporate Affairs, Lisa Marchi, Major Project  Liaison Manager/Sgurr Energy – Eric Donnelly, Noise and Vibration Team Leader/THC – John Lee, Area Environment Health Manager, Gregor MacCormick, Environmental Health Officer, Cllr. Helen Carmichael. Thirty local residents were in attendance. SSE, Sgurr Energy and THC concurred that there was a significant noise issue with the new equipment from the Wester Balblair sub-station. Short term mitigation measures will start on Monday 11^th November 2013 – 1. Anti vibration pads under the transformers 2. Infill under transformers   3. Further measures will not be in place until late spring, early summer 2014. The Chairman expressed his concerns and suggested that a letter was sent regarding the following points. 1. No apology for the disruption and stress caused to the Residents. 2. Initially no consultation on date(Halloween) time, or venue(Lovat Arms) 3. Limitation on numbers 4. Initially no opportunity given to have an input into the agenda 5. Attitude of SSE’s Engineer 6. Request noise measurements to be continued before and after mitigation. It was then decided that we needed independent advice and would appoint Dick Bowdler to assess the initial results including the October data, yet to be provided. The Secretary to ask Sgurr and THC to provide the data to Mr. Bowdler.

1. 3.       SSE Beauly Community Liaison Meeting – Concerns were raised that the group now included Beauly(not affected) and Kiltarlity, that SSE intended to chair the meeting, that KCC would only be allowed two representatives and the SSSE would provide the Agenda. The Secretary was instructed to write to Lisa that this was not acceptable and we would provide three representatives, Steve Byford, John Stewart and Mark Hedderwick . Steve Byford to Co-Chair the meeting.
2. 4.       FCS – JG and MG were unable to attend due to the SSE meeting and in their absence it was decided that KCC and Glenurquart CC would no longer be required on the FCS Liaison group. Also free local access to Glen Affric would not be extended to those areas. Cllr. Carmichael had agreed to discuss this with KCC. Ongoing.

Chairman’s Business: None

Vice Chairman’s Report   

1. The Altyre Road notice board had been knocked over and the glass broken.  Carl Brocklehurst has offered to replace glass, fix legs and concrete back in place. Cost will be minimal. All approved.
2. Louisa’s Memorial Seat is needing some cleaning and maintenance. MH will see if he can get it pressure washed and Community Payback will be asked if it could be cleaned and smartened up in spring 2014.

Secretary’s Business: None

Planning Matters:

1. Orrin Wind Farm Mast application – No Objection
2. Land 65M East Of Camesky Ruilick Beauly – We have commented re drainage into the road drains which often overflow and create an ice hazard on the road.
3. Core Wild Lands Consultation. Agreed that we would request that Area 24, Central Highlands, was extended to the whole of Glen Orrin. Photos and ornithological report to be included.
4. ABO Proposed Wind Farm on Erchless Estate, Breakachy Farm and Farley Estate. THC to deal with any Community Benefit. Any request for meetings with ABO must be open to all the Community, not just discussions with KCC.

Finance:  No report.

Correspondence:

• IACC Meeting Tuesday 19^th November 7.00pm Town House, Inverness – SB
• Inner Moray Firth Development Plan – Update received, no change in KCC noted. Presentation-Lovat Arms 19^th Nov.
• Climate Challenge Fund extended by £10.3 million.
• War Memorial Trust info – JS will pass on to British Legion

AOCB:

• MH  raised parent’s concerns that SSE has approached the School to make a corporate film extolling the virtues of the Beauly-Denny line and their support in the Community which would feature the pupils. It was felt that it was in poor taste considering the large number of people suffering noise from both the substation and the overhead lines. MH to convey the concerns to the PTA meeting.
• MH conveyed Tom Lewis’s apologies for his lack of contact but the change of owners had been time consuming. MH showed where the new paths were to be constructed.

Next meeting:  5^th December 2013 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.30pm.

Meeting Closed: 22.35hrs

Signed:                                                                  

 Steve Byford, Chairman